Struggle in Russia

Varvara Neridova sat on the sofa with a slanted body, her long black hair spread out on her snow-white shoulders like a waterfall.

It was this side of Nelidova that Menshikov was most afraid of. This woman seemed to be born with two faces. What she usually shows to the public is her generous and elegant side, while in private, she shows the other side of succubus-like allure.

Almost no one can resist Neridova's succubus side. She only needs to wave her hand, and most men will immediately bow down under his pomegranate skirt. This majority includes Nicholas I as well as the old eunuch Menshikov.

Anyway, after such a short period of time, the old eunuch felt his heart beating faster.

Seemingly aware of Menshikov's mood changes, Neridova rested her chin on one hand, blinked her beautiful black eyes, and asked intentionally, "Your Excellency, are you feeling well?"

Menshikov tried hard to control his eyes, and tried not to look at the protruding body of the beauty. He lowered his head halfway, glanced upwards, and replied nervously:

"No...no, thank you...thank you for your concern...well, I'm fine! I'm really fine!"

The harder Menshikov tried to control, the more he unconsciously wanted to take a peek. This "dishonest" reaction made Neridova laugh coquettishly. She giggled and said:

"Then why don't you dare look up at me? Am I ugly?"

Menshikov almost forgot the purpose of his visit. He forced himself to calm down, quickly took out a check from his pocket, and placed it on the coffee table in front of Neridova.

Nelidov seemed to be familiar with this, he picked up the check and glanced at it naturally, then put it back calmly. Still using her sweet voice that could kill people, she asked delicately:

"My lord, what do you mean?"

Menshikov finally calmed down a little, and he replied with a smile: "Madam, I would like to ask you to do me a favor!"

Neridova sat up a little, looking as if she was ready to talk. It's just that her voice is still coated with honey: "Is it just a favor?"

"One hundred thousand rubles, what a fortune!"

"Your Excellency, I'm afraid this favor is not very helpful, is it?"

Menshikov fell silent immediately. The old eunuch knew that Neridova was not easy to deal with. This woman looked delicate, but she had a delicate heart. Otherwise, the mistresses of Nicholas I could be lined up from the Winter Palace to the Summer Palace, but she still stands tall. Even this one has a very good relationship with the queen and Princess Olga, they are simply close friends in the boudoir, do you think this method and vision can be so low?

Neridova loves money very much. As the niece of Ekaterina Neridova, the mistress of Tsar Paul I, as a poor orphan, she naturally hopes to have as much money as possible. Because his aunt kept telling her that all men are unreliable, they are all liars, and the only thing that can be trusted is money, and with money, one can live a carefree life!

Neridova is also very good at making money. Relying on the insider information of selling the Winter Palace, she made hundreds of thousands of rubles, bought a mansion, a manor for herself, and bought thousands of serfs.

But Neridova also understands the importance of moderation. What she betrays is limited to the secrets of the Winter Palace that can be passed on. As for those Nicholas I did not want to disclose, even if she knows and sees it, she will immediately forget it. spread outside.

It is precisely because Neridova has mastered her sense of proportion that she can always stand tall. This is her biggest reliance besides pleasing Nicholas I, and it is also her creed. And now Menshikov's request clearly crossed the line.

Can Neridova blow pillows? Of course she would, and she had secretly wooed herself and her friends for something, but blowing pillows for Menshikov was another matter.

So Neridova, who loves money very much, put the check back almost without hesitation. She would not dare to touch this kind of money.

Menshikov gritted his teeth and said, "This is half of the deposit paid up front, and the other half will be paid after the completion!"

Two hundred thousand rubles! This is definitely a huge sum of money. It was about twenty thousand pounds, and even a prodigal would have to squander it for several years. Nelidova worked in the palace for ten years and earned almost two hundred thousand rubles. Menshikov actually gave her half of her wealth in one go. It is impossible for her not to be tempted.

Neridova no longer wanted to be flirtatious. She was sitting on the sofa, staring at the check on the coffee table with her beautiful eyes. Even Menshikov on the other side of the coffee table could feel the desire from the bottom of her heart. .

Menshikov felt that he should be able to convince the other party, after all, the bargaining chip he offered was too big for people to refuse.

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for your kindness, but I can't help you with this!"

Just when Menshikov was almost intoxicated by Neridova's beauty, a basin of cold water fell from the sky, pouring him a chill.

"Why? Ma'am, don't you think it's too little?" Menshikov stood up and asked with a little anger, "Don't you think you are too greedy?"

Nelidova returned to her original posture again, the previous longing and greed disappeared completely, her eyes were as clear as a clear spring, and she looked so flawless.

"No, Your Excellency. I don't think it's too little, but I'm afraid it will be hot. I don't earn this kind of money!"

All of Menshikov's questioning and doubts were blocked by this sentence. What can he do if he doesn't earn this money? Do you beg?

Shaking his head, Menshikov took back the check on the coffee table, and suddenly said: "Ma'am, I thought you were quite bold before, but now it seems, tsk..."

However, this level of aggressiveness is useless to Nelidova. The enchanting beauty giggled and replied naturally: "Your Excellency, you are joking, what courage can I have as a woman, giggling..."

Menshikov had nothing to do with Neridova's refusal to get in. According to the old eunuch's original plan, no matter whether it was money or aggressive methods, Nelidova would always be able to obey. But this woman is even more difficult than he imagined, and she is not fooled at all, and the only way to deal with it now is to use that bad strategy...